Neuropathy Specialist
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Berkower Pain & Spine Rehabilitation
David Berkower, DO
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation & Pain Management located in Pembroke Pines, FL
Peripheral neuropathy causes stabbing, tingling, and burning pain due to nerve miscommunication and damage. Diabetes, along with trauma and genetics, can cause this condition. You don’t have to suffer, though. Men and women in Pembroke Pines, Florida with peripheral neuropathy symptoms can turn to Dr. David Berkower for relief. Make an appointment with this pain management specialist at Berkower Pain and Spine Rehabilitation by calling the office or using the online booking tool.
Neuropathy Q & A
What is peripheral neuropathy?
Your peripheral nervous system sends communications from your brain and spine to other areas of your body. When damage to this system occurs, and pain results, your nerves are affected, causing acute pain and function loss.
What are the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy?
Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include stabbing, burning, and tingling pain that begins in your hands and feet but can spread to your arms and legs. You may also experience:
- Loss of coordination
- Sensitivity to touch
- Muscle weakness and paralysis
- Changes in blood pressure, and dizziness
- Trouble grasping items, such as cups or pencils
The symptoms can lead to additional physical complications. You’re more susceptible to burns or skin trauma because you don’t have as much sensation in your fingers and toes. Infection can occur, especially in your feet, because you may suffer an injury without knowing it. Disruption of your motor skills and balance can make you more likely to fall and injure yourself.
Who is at risk of developing peripheral neuropathy?
People with diabetes often develop neuropathy. Other possible risk factors include:
- Exposure to specific heavy metals or chemicals
- Autoimmune disease, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
- Trauma, including automobile accidents and sports injuries
- Infections, such as Epstein-Barr virus and Lyme disease
How is peripheral neuropathy treated?
You can control peripheral neuropathy if you discover and treat it early. Dr. Berkower can help improve the severity of your symptoms using medications and lifestyle interventions.
If Dr. Berkower can diagnose the source of your neuropathy, he’ll treat that condition to help reduce your symptoms. Even if he can’t isolate the specific cause of your symptoms, the type of neuropathy you have will affect treatment.
A healthy diet that includes fresh vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains protects you against nutrient deficiencies—particularly vitamin B-12—that contributes to peripheral neuropathy. Regular exercise also helps symptoms in many people. Dr. Berkower can help you plan workouts that help, rather than aggravate, your condition.
Learning how to avoid situations and conditions that cause nerve damage is also important. These include:
- Repetitive movement
- Sedentary positions
- Smoking
- Alcohol abuse
- Toxic chemicals
